Some thoughts on Namibia.
On the surface it looks like the country is steaming ahead with tourism, new roading projects and a new harbour being constructed at Walvis Bay. But probing a little deeper you realise that the investment is 95% or more Chinese and there is always a quid pro quo. All the mines are now controlled by the Chinese who bring in their own workers, and materials (even such things as cement & food) so the employment & supply situation is not benefitting Namibia at all. Nor do the Chinese companies pay tax and the government is now completely beholden to China.
It is very difficult for local people to get jobs; one of the young ATV drivers we met has a double degree, in business admin & psychology but is unable to get a job to fit his training. As in other countries, young people who cannot get work often turn to drugs, alcohol & the crime to fund it. You also have criminal elements arriving from SA to prey on tourists and poach animals, not just the endangered ones but meat in general like springbok or Oryx.
In general the people we have met are beautiful both physically and in personality. They generous & keen to see visitors have a good experience here. But there is a marked difference between our visit in 2011 and now. We are constantly warned about keeping safe, not advertising wealth by displaying phones, jewellery or cameras. People are shocked that we mad Kiwis want to walk to get somewhere; no no take a cab.
Also I cannot help but wonder about the animals that are under threat (thinking mainly elephant & rhino) and China being the direct market for those animal products. How will that conflict of interest pan out in the future?
On the surface it looks like the country is steaming ahead with tourism, new roading projects and a new harbour being constructed at Walvis Bay. But probing a little deeper you realise that the investment is 95% or more Chinese and there is always a quid pro quo. All the mines are now controlled by the Chinese who bring in their own workers, and materials (even such things as cement & food) so the employment & supply situation is not benefitting Namibia at all. Nor do the Chinese companies pay tax and the government is now completely beholden to China.
It is very difficult for local people to get jobs; one of the young ATV drivers we met has a double degree, in business admin & psychology but is unable to get a job to fit his training. As in other countries, young people who cannot get work often turn to drugs, alcohol & the crime to fund it. You also have criminal elements arriving from SA to prey on tourists and poach animals, not just the endangered ones but meat in general like springbok or Oryx.
In general the people we have met are beautiful both physically and in personality. They generous & keen to see visitors have a good experience here. But there is a marked difference between our visit in 2011 and now. We are constantly warned about keeping safe, not advertising wealth by displaying phones, jewellery or cameras. People are shocked that we mad Kiwis want to walk to get somewhere; no no take a cab.
Also I cannot help but wonder about the animals that are under threat (thinking mainly elephant & rhino) and China being the direct market for those animal products. How will that conflict of interest pan out in the future?
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